Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $24,938 in federal funding for Oxbow Fire Department, located in the Village of Antwerp in Jefferson County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) and will be used to purchase five new self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs). The fire department’s current SCBAs are more than 20 years old.

“These much-needed federal funds will help the Oxbow Fire Department replace twenty-year-old breathing apparatuses,” said Senator Schumer. “First responders are our primary line of defense – they safeguard our residents and protect our property – and it is crucial that we provide them the support they need to upgrade to more modern equipment. This will allow them to do their jobs to the best of their ability and, most importantly, save lives.”

“Keeping our communities safe is a top priority,” Senator Gillibrand said. “This funding will help provide the critical tools and resources the Oxbow Fire Department needs to protect themselves and better serve the community using more reliable and efficient rescue tools.”

“This is the first time since 1960 that Oxbow fire has won an AFG grant,” said Chief Vincent D’Agostino. “This is a great success for our small department and a very big improvement.”

Founded in July of 1960, Oxbow Fire Incorporated serves the Township of Antwerp in Jefferson County and part of the Town of Rossie in St. Lawrence County. The department has 25 volunteer firefighters. Last year, Oxbow Fire Inc. responded to over 48 fire and emergency calls.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the Department's United States Fire Administration. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program's priorities and demonstrate financial need. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.firegrantsupport.com/ .